NUJ Security Summit: FG committed to national cohesion, resilience – Minister

Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris says the Federal Government will continue to strengthen constructive engagement between the media and security institutions, and building partnership necessary for promoting national cohesion and resilience.

The minister said this on Thursday in Abuja during the opening of the National Security Summit, organised by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in collaboration with the Department of State Services (DSS), under the theme: “Media and Security Agencies as Partners in Nation Building.”

He commended the leadership of the NUJ and the DSS for conceiving “this strategic platform that brings together critical stakeholders from the media, security agencies, government institutions, academia, civil society, and the wider public to deliberate on one of the most pressing issues confronting our nation today: security and national stability.

“The theme of this summit could not have come at a more appropriate time. Across the world, security challenges have become increasingly complex, multidimensional, and technology-driven. From terrorism and violent extremism to cybercrime, misinformation, organised crime, separatist agitations, and transnational threats, nations are being compelled to rethink traditional approaches to security management.

“Nigeria is not immune to these realities. As Africa’s largest democracy and most populous nation, our security environment presents unique challenges that require collective action, strategic communication, responsible journalism, and effective collaboration among all stakeholders.”

Idris said the media and security agencies occupy critical positions in the architecture of nation-building, with security agencies entrusted with protecting lives, property, and national sovereignty, while the media serves as the watchdog of society, the marketplace of ideas, and the bridge between government and citizens.

According to him,  both share a common objective of safeguarding national interest and promoting peace, unity, and development.

“The relationship between the media and security agencies must therefore be founded on mutual respect, professionalism, trust, and an appreciation of their complementary roles.

“Security operations require discretion, accuracy, and strategic communication. The media, on the other hand, has a constitutional responsibility to inform the public, promote accountability, and combat misinformation.

“When these responsibilities are properly aligned, they become powerful instruments for strengthening national security and public confidence,” the minister said.

On the security challenges in the country, Idris said the Federal Government has been pursuing a comprehensive security strategy that combines military action, intelligence gathering, inter-agency collaboration, technological innovation, and community engagement.

“As a result, significant gains have been recorded across various theatres of operation.

“Our security forces have continued to neutralise and apprehend terrorists, bandits, kidnappers, and criminal elements threatening the peace of our communities. Several terrorist commanders have been eliminated, while many criminal hideouts and camps have been dismantled through sustained military operations.

“The Armed Forces of Nigeria, working closely with intelligence and security agencies, have successfully rescued hundreds of kidnapped victims and restored normalcy to many communities previously under siege.”

The minister added that the government has invested substantially in modern military equipment, intelligence infrastructure, surveillance technologies, and capacity building for security personnel, aimed at improving operational effectiveness and enhancing the ability of security agencies to respond swiftly to emerging threats.

“Beyond kinetic measures, the Tinubu Administration remains committed to addressing the root causes of insecurity through economic reforms, youth empowerment programmes, infrastructure development, educational opportunities, and social interventions designed to create hope and prosperity for citizens.

“These achievements demonstrate the unwavering commitment of President Tinubu to securing Nigeria and creating an enabling environment for investment, economic growth, and national development.”